Top 6 Concerns Parents Have About Their Kids' Health

December 18, 2016

New Year’s resolutions for the whole family in 2017

New Year’s resolutions for the whole family in 2017

Now’s the time for thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and Scripps pediatricians have some ideas on resolutions for the whole family. A recent informal survey of Scripps pediatricians across San Diego County revealed a half-dozen key issues that were frequently raised by parents about their children’s well-being in 2016. Read more about those issues, and resolve to address them in 2017 using the advice outlined below.

Most children and teens need to eat every three to four hours throughout the day to meet current daily nutritional guidelines. Younger children need to eat three meals and at least two healthy snacks, while older kids need to eat three meals and at least one snack a day.

“Eating while on the go or while distracted by TV, phones and tablets may result in less healthful choices and portions,” explains Jenny Davis, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic, Rancho Bernardo. “Mindful eating of healthy snacks can be helpful in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and fostering good eating habits for the entire family.”

Dr. Davis recommends aiming for a more structured eating schedule, with mid-morning and after-school snacks, and serving healthy items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat Greek yogurt.

“Parents need to act as teachers and guides for their children on how best to use media,” says Mackenzie Coffin, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic, Carmel Valley. “Teach them how to navigate media, set expectations and boundaries and make sure screen time doesn’t take the place of physical activity and social interaction in the real world."

3. Teen anxiety and depression

A study published in the December 2016 journal Pediatrics found that major depression is on the rise in adolescents, particularly among girls. Looking at data from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health from 2005-2014, researchers found that major depressive episodes increased in adolescents by 37 percent from 2005 to 2014.

Parents can help by:

Talking with your teen frequently

Offering support by letting your teen know that you are there and willing to provide support

Confirming your teen’s feelings

If you suspect that your teen is suffering from anxiety or depression, talk with your pediatrician.

4. Delaying vaccines

“Concerns about vaccine safety are still causing parents in the U.S. to delay some vaccines for their children,” says Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic, Rancho Bernardo. “Vaccines are one of the best ways to ensure your child stays healthy, and the reason so many shots are given so close together is that this is when your children are most vulnerable to dangerous diseases.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) official vaccination schedule targets 14 serious diseases, including whooping cough and polio, and is very specific to keeping children as safe as possible until they are fully protected. According to the AAP, there is no safe way to adjust the schedule and know that your child will be safe from potentially life-threatening infections.

Talk with your pediatrician if you have questions or concerns.

5. Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years, and in 2012 more than one-third of children ages 6 to 11 and adolescents ages 12 to 19 were overweight or obese.

Obesity can cause a broad range of health problems, such as asthma, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. In addition, children who are obese are more apt to experience a negative body image, depression and low self-esteem.

“As parents and caregivers, you can help prevent your children from becoming obese,” says Dr. Coffin. “Encourage healthy eating habits by being a role model, cook healthy meals with your family, help your kids stay active and remove calorie-rich snacks and treats.”

6. Orthopedic injuries

With more young children focusing on a single sport and playing all year, pediatricians are seeing more chronic overuse injuries. The AAP encourages a balanced approach to sports, especially before puberty. Growing bones are less resilient to stress, and young athletes may not recognize that certain symptoms are signs of overuse.

“Keep your child’s practice fun and age-appropriate,” says Daniel Lichtmann, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic, Carmel Valley. “If you suspect your child may be susceptible to overuse injuries, plan to have your children have at least one day off per week and at least one month off per year from training for one sport. These breaks will allow the body to recover.”